justforlaughs
Just for Laughs was founded in 1983 by Gilbert Rozon as a two-day Francophone event. In 1985, Andy Nulman joined the festival's staff and introduced Anglophone events as well; under Nulman's stewardship, the festival increased to a full month, with French-speaking performers during the first half, and English speakers in the second half. International and non-verbal acts (acrobats, pantomimes, etc.) are scattered throughout the program. In 1999, Nulman left the Festival’s full-time employ; however, he directed its major Gala Shows at the St. Denis Theatre every July, and remained on the Board of Directors of the Festival's parent company.[2] After an 11 year absence, Andy Nulman returned to Just for Laughs in July 2010 as President of Festivals and Television.[3]